CHINA FREEZES ROBOTAXI LICENSES AFTER BAIDU GRIDLOCK

The regulatory suspension bars companies from adding new autonomous vehicles to existing operations, entering new cities, or initiating fresh test programs, according to Bloomberg sources. The restrictions follow a high-profile malfunction in Wuhan where Baidu's robotaxis unexpectedly halted on roadways, disrupting traffic. The incident raised public safety concerns and prompted scrutiny from Chinese regulators. Baidu operates Apollo Go, one of China's leading robotaxi services. The company had been expanding operations across multiple cities before the freeze. The move reflects growing caution among Chinese regulators toward autonomous vehicle deployment. While the suspension appears temporary pending further review, it signals that regulators will enforce stricter oversight of driverless technology before allowing broader market expansion. No timeline for lifting the freeze has been announced. Chinese authorities have not yet released official statements detailing the suspension's scope or duration.